Small businesses are increasingly optimistic about the future, at least according to a survey by CNBC and SurveyMonkey, and there are several new business grant opportunities in March that can help them capitalize on growth opportunities. It found about 28% of small-business owners said the economy was currently "excellent" or "good," up from 23% during the fourth quarter of 2023. And about 35% of small-business owners expressed confidence in the Federal Reserve to control inflation — the highest it has been in two years.
But for businesses looking for fresh capital we have dug up some small business grants that businesses can apply for in March.
The FedEx Small Business Grants Program
Every year, FedEx offers one small business a $50,000 grant and nine others a $20,000 grant to help grow their businesses. So far, the company has given away about $1.9 million in grants since 2012. Applicants must be existing FedEx customers with a valid shipping account that has been open at least six months. The application window opens at noon on March 1, 2024, and closes at noon on April 1, 2024. Grants will be announced on May 16, 2024.
ThE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCE OF COLORED PEOPLE (NAACP), THE HISPANIC FEDERATION AND LÃ’REAL USA.
They will provide 40 one-time grants of $10,000 to small business and entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. Business can use the money to grow their inventory, refine marketing and others.This year, the initiative has expanded to include new non-governmental organizations like the Hispanic Federation and grant administrator GlobalGiving. It was developed it in collaboration with the U.S. civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), to award 40 one-time grants.
DOORDASH AND HELLO ALICE
10,000 grants from the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund by DoorDash and Hello Alice. Disasters are unpredictable — but critical support shouldn’t be. The average small business loses $3,000 every day they remain closed due to a natural disaster. To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters like fires, floods, and hurricanes, and provides relief through $10,000 grants.
Deadline: March 29, 2024.
2024 HEALSTEAD GRANT
2024 Halstead Grant is an annual award for emerging silver jewelry artists. Applicants submit answers to 15 business questions in addition to their design portfolios. The experience is designed to help jewelry entrepreneurs create a strategy to kick-start their careers. The grand prize is a $7,500 cash grant plus other benefits. T
Deadline: May 1, 2024.